Why Compost?

By composting we keep organics (landscape trimmings, food scraps, etc.) out of our landfills, and help our cities and county meet the requirements of state mandated waste reduction and recycling laws; AB 939, AB341, and SB1826. Some of the benefits of using compost; it builds healthy soil, helps conserve water and saves money.

Green Waste Composting

The District has a very successful green waste composting program onsite. Keith Day Company, the onsite compost operator, turns approximately 20,000 tons of yard trimmings, from local landscapes each year into a certified organic compost product. The finished product is available for purchase for your garden and our local farms.

Food Scrap Composting

The food scraps which restaurants and businesses choose to have hauled to MRWMD also get composted via a collaborative food scrap composting effort between the District, local franchise haulers (link to haulers contacts), and Keith Day Company. This is a growing endeavor with approximately 250 tons per month currently composted.

Turning “Waste to Energy”

In partnership with ZeroWaste Energy organic material, including food scraps will be imputed into a state of the art anaerobic digestion system, by SmartFerm. In this system the organic material is quickly converted to electrical power for use by the MRWPCA’s water treatment plant and compost products for local farmers.

Learn to Compost at Home

Monterey Regional Waste Management Districts offers free compost workshops and events throughout the year so you can learn the benefits and basics of home composting and green gardening. Check out and register for an upcoming workshop.

Compost Bins and Supplies

Residents may also check with their disposal service company to see if they offer discounted compost bins.

Greener Gardening Products: Compost, Soil and Wood Chips

Need more compost then you can produce? You can purchase finished compost and other landscape products, such as wood chips by the “bag” at the Last Chance Mercantile or in large quantities through the MRWMD scales.

Resources for School Composting Programs

Teachers do you need learning materials, how-to guides, bins or a class presentation on composting? If your school is within the MRWMD service area* contact the Public Education Coordinator at kherring@mrwmd.org for more information.